After completing ESL, GED and Healthcare Bridge courses, Wright Student Lucia Pules is looking forward to starting the Gateway to the City Colleges of Chicago program in the summer.

Upon Lucia Pules’ arrival in the United States from Mexico in 2011, she felt that “it seemed impossible to succeed” because she did not speak English.

A neighbor informed Lucia about a free English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) class at Wright College and she signed up for classes in the fall semester of 2011. After just two months of studying English at Wright College, Lucia advanced to the third and fourth levels of English.

Still, Lucia had much more to accomplish. In Fall 2012, she enrolled in free GED classes at Wright’s Humboldt Park campus. During the Spring 2013 semester, Lucia applied to receive her GED and passed the Constitution test on the first try. By February, Lucia had passed the entire exam except for the writing portion, which she passed in Fall 2013. “I was shocked,” Lucia said, “but realized this is what can happen when I can envision all of my goals.”

Lucia entered the Healthcare Bridge Program in the fall of 2013 and recently completed BIO120, a credit class, where she learned medical terminology. Lucia’s goal is to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. “This program gave me the confidence to know that I have the help I need to succeed,” said Lucia.

“As one of Lucia’s teachers for the Bridge program I had the privilege of witnessing her commitment toward learning,” said Adult Educator Ms. Jan, “Lucia never missed a day of class. She was always prepared with an unending desire for knowledge.”

Of her journey, Lucia said, “I can definitely say that without the help of all my teachers and the personnel working in these two amazing places, I wouldn’t be here succeeding.” She is particularly grateful to instructors Andre Corbin, Miguel Gamino, David Baldwin, Michael Grez, Emma Meade, Hilary Lee and Rachel Michaels.

Lucia is excited to start classes in the Gateway to the City Colleges of Chicago Program this summer.

Lucia’s advice to her fellow classmates is: “Don’t give up because you can do whatever you want.  The secret is to believe in yourself!  The motivation is within you and you have to set your goals and believe you have the power to fulfill all of your purposes in life.”

Students can register for free GED and ESL classes for the Summer 2014 semester during Adult Education’s Late Registration period (through May 14, 2014). For more information, please call 773. 481-8821.